Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Tabwakea Village, Kiribati, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially given the village's tropical climate, which often exposes individuals to high UV radiation. With peak UV Index values reaching 13 between noon and 1 PM, it's essential to stay informed and take protective measures to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risks of UV exposure.
The UV Index showcases a vibrant hourly dance of sunlight intensity, peaking dramatically as the day unfolds. At 7:00 AM, the index starts at a mild 1, but as the sun rises higher, it experiences a sharp ascent. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 7, signaling a noteworthy increase in UV exposure. The midday sun is relentless, hitting its zenith at 12:00 PM with a staggering 13, before gradually tapering off to 10 at 2:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the index gently declines to 4 by 4:00 PM, and its descent continues, dwindling to a 1 by 6:00 PM, just before sunset. Finally, the UV Index settles to 0 at 7:00 PM, marking a retreat from the sun's powerful embrace. It’s a compelling reminder of the sun's powerful presence and the importance of protecting our skin during those peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index remains extremely high throughout the year, with values peaking between 14 and 15 from January to May, indicating a consistent risk for sunburn with a burn time of merely 10 minutes. February to April are notably the highest-risk months, with an index of 15, making it crucial for visitors and residents to take protective measures during this period. Although the index decreases slightly in the summer months of June to August, it remains in the range of 12 to 13, thereby still posing a significant risk. As such, it is highly advisable for everyone to wear adequate sun protection, including sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking clothing, especially during peak hours, regardless of the month. Being vigilant about sun exposure is essential year-round in this area.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tabwakea Village | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
| Bairiki Village UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Teaoraereke Village UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Bikenibeu Village UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Betio Village UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Tarawa UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |